The 31st of July proved to be the start of something special, as MWS attended yet another of the Vintage Sports Car Club`s hill climb events. With the weather seeming to be on our side, we unpacked the trailer with ferocity. On the way up the hill I was encouraged by the amount of competitors already out for practice. For those of you who have never been to the Prescott Hill Climb event, it is truly a breathtaking affair, and is well worth a visit. Set in the idyllic countryside of Gloucestershire, hidden by many a winding road lays “the hill” synonymous with the Bugatti Owners Club, and home to many a tale of thrilling motor car racing, which all began in 1937. Apart from Shelsley Walsh there was a distinct lack of hill climb events during this period, and it is due to the ingenuity of Thomas Rolt and Sam Clutton who put the wheels in motion for the estate to be used as a motoring course.

This being our second visit to Prescott in successive years, the team and I were excited as last year proved to be one of the highlights of our season. The day began with a visit from a superb “Frazer Nash” which we soon decorated with new Blockley tyres. The sound of this car was truly incredible and received a lot of interest from passers by. As the day went forth we were now the ones who were subject to a lot of attention, our displays proving too much for a lot of members, who showed a lot of interest in our tyres and accessories.

An “Austin Seven Special” was the next to enter our fitting bay, requiring two of our 350x19`s  which are of great value at the moment at only £35.00 a corner, a lot of tyre for little money was one of the comments being thrown around our stand on regular occasion!

Interestingly directly opposite us were a set of Riley’s, all wearing Blockley`s and shiny paint work! When left standing for more than half an hour the respective owners stuck a written history to the front of the vehicles, which was of great interest to myself and members alike. Although it is obvious that all the cars on display have a unique history, it is great to see it all in writing.

The first day drew to a close and we retired to a local hotel in Tewkesbury for a well earned dinner and frosty beverage. The next day began with a slight downpour and it was with great anticipation that we traversed our way to the course down the winding roads which led to “the hill”. It always astounds me that no matter the weather the VSCC still manages to pull in a large crowd to each and every event.

A fabulous Bugatti was the first car of the day, which we fitted with some 450x19 and corresponding rim bands. Finished in an electric blue I was informed by the proud owner that this was the pride of his fleet and he uses it for touring on regular occasion. The day progressed quickly and the weather worsened, we were all very thankful for our splendid marquee as were some members of the public who happened to passing by!

As the day grew to a close I was very much saddened to be saying farewell to Prescott for another year. Another fantastic show provided by the VSCC, many thanks must go to the organizers of the festivities and also to my superiors who made all the magic happen!

If you didn’t get a chance to catch up with us at Prescott, do not fear, we will be set up and raring to go at Mallory park on the 23rd of August which yet again looks set to continue the VSCC`s tradition of excellence.

HAPPY MOTORING!!

Timothy Wilson